Programs

Neurobiology Research

Robert S. Dow Neurobiology Laboratories

The Dow Neurobiology Labs are engaged in investigations that address mechanisms of brain disease including epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and schizophrenia and to translate those findings into novel therapeutic approaches. Robert S. Dow, the eminent Portland neurologist and neuroscientist and co-author with Guiseppe Moruzzi of the classic text, The Physiology and Pathology of the Cerebellum, first established the labs on the Good Samaritan campus in 1979 through a grant from the Murdoch Trust. An endowment from the Good Samaritan Foundation established the Dow Chair in Neurology in 1999 in honor of Dr. Dow.

Major funding for research projects in the labs comes from the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; additional support is provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, and other grantmakers.

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders are subjects of concentrated research. To these ends, a team of scientists with expertise in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, biochemistry, genomics and proteomics has been assembled to take a multidisciplinary approach to translate findings from basic research into novel therapeutics including stem cell therapies and gene therapies.

More detailed information regarding ongoing research in the Dow labs can be found in the Scientist Profiles.